It had been a week since Seraphina brought Aric back from the brink of death. The gaping hole in his stomach had healed, but he remained in a coma despite her best effort. Seraphina held onto hope as his heart was beating but deep down, she recognized that there was a possibility that Aric may never come back.
Despite that, Seraphina continued healing him by herself while the townsfolk were hard at work at rebuilding from the destruction. The inner city remained functional thanks to Seraphina's shield but the outer ring had been flattened.
Penelope and Adam were the first to propose a rebuild of the city even though they were uncertain on how to rebuild some of the inventions as the materials used were only possible by Aric.
Borin led everyone to a half built house in the inner city where he opened a chamber that was hidden. Inside there were extra materials and appliances like fridges, fans, stoves and air conditioners.
There were also shelf stable food and toys as well.
"This…is master Vayne's stash?" Adam asked while looking in awe.
"Aye. He did all o' this extra work fer no good reason. Said 'just in case,' though none o' us knew what he meant."
He gave a low grunt. "Puttin' in extra hours every night while the rest o' us slept. He even made extra food t' stash away afore we were attacked."
This revelation left the townsfolk heartbroken as it was a clear indication on how deeply Aric cared about them. Every item unearthed now felt like a letter of apology he'd left behind.
****************************************************************************
In the room of Seraphina and Aric, there was Evelyn, Mira, Adam, Beth, Linda and Penelope. Seraphina had asked Evelyn to gather the council members and the leaders after being isolated for a week.
"It's been a week." Evelyn said while showing the way for the people to sit down.
"Yeah…it's been a week…"
"You have not been eating properly, your grace."
Seraphina lifted up her face from Aric's chest and looked at Evelyn who was standing across the room,
"How am I supposed to eat properly? I couldn't save him when I had the power to do so. I couldn't unlock my full potential in time. He was dead Eve…"
Evelyn walked over to her and stood next to her,
"But that's not your fault, your grace. You were never pushed this hard before. We wouldn't have known that a literal demon, high ranking most likely, to fight you with black flames. It was a demon that was lost to time who was able to match you and me."
"You have pushed yourself to the point it took me 3 days to get the corruption out of your system. It's a miracle that your magic somehow brought Aric back from the dead."
Seraphina looked at her with a blank expression minus for the faint movement in her iris,
"But...I may have doomed him to be in a constant state of limbo now. He…was dead for an hour. There's probably a lot of things that got damaged that my healing couldn't have repaired."
Evelyn put her hand on Seraphina's shoulder,
"Even so, it's not a good reason to skip meals your grace. The people need you. Aric wouldn't want you to neglect your health either…"
"…mmm."
She let go of her shoulder, "Ahem. Anyways, the reports and investigation are all done now. Kayla is still in a coma state but she is bound to wake up soon, the repairs in Ashwick are going well as well thanks to Borin, Adam and Linda and we have finally got all the documents about Sebastian's betrayal."
Seraphina let go of her hand from his chest, "I...see."
Mira bowed to her before raising her head slowly,, "Your Grace…forgive me for being rude but may I ask again why you call him Aric when he is…Lord Vayne."
Seraphina smiled faintly, "Right. I promised all of you that I will explain that. I apologise for my absence from the rebuild. I was emotional and I needed some space after all of that."
She cleared her throat, "The reason I call him that…is because Aric is another man that is inside Vayne."
Adam tilted his head, "Inside Vayne…? Like you mean like…another man indirectly? Do you have a scand—"
Beth knocked on Adam's head, "You dimwit! Don't say stuff like that in-front of her grace!"
Adam rubbed the back of his head in pain while Seraphina gave a small laugh,
"Hahaha…it's okay…Aric did say this would happen if I said it just like that."
She straightened her posture, "No. I meant as in, someone else is in the body. Like a different soul so to speak."
The 5 of them gave a unison, "Huh?"
"It's a little hard to explain but if you have the time and no other duties, I will tell you the full story…Aric deserves to be understood."
She extended her tendrils and offered everyone there biscuit and tea,
"Are you okay with that?"
Everyone was stunned by this gesture. While Seraphina was known by everyone to be kind , it was surprising to see a duchess herself serving the common people food and water like they're the same level.
They all hesitantly took her offer while Evelyn smiled at Seraphina.
"So…"
*******************************************************************
It had been 2 hours now. The sun had begun to set by the time Seraphina finished telling Aric's story.
The five of them wore expressions not just of sadness, but of guilt, as if mourning both the man he once was and the one they had never taken the time to understand.
"So… he was a man placed inside your husband… without any memories?" Mira voiced out first.
"Who knew nothing and yet, still tried to do everything on his own." Beth added, her hand slowly covering her mouth.
"He wasn't even one of us. He was rejected, hurt by everyone, and still…" Adam continued.
"He still did all this?" Linda whispered.
"…while carrying a burden he never asked for?" Penelope finished softly.
Seraphina also had the look of guilt, "...yes. I hurt him in ways that I will never forgive myself."
Adam wiped a teary eye away, "But, your husband was in a coma before. Why are you less confident that this 'Aric' won't wake up? Isn't it the same?"
Beth placed her teacup on her lap, "Yes your grace… it's a bit hard to believe that another man is in that body. As convincing as the story sounded, it also sounds…crazy."
Seraphina crossed her legs, "Well it is crazy. It took me an entire month of being with him properly for me to even accept that Aric is indeed Aric and not some alter ego of Vayne. As for why I think that Aric might…not comeback…"
Her eyes looked down, "When I heal him, I can feel like his soul is not there. Like he is somewhere distant."
She put her hand over her face, "That maybe…I broke the natural order and did something forbidden. That maybe I doomed Aric in a state of limbo."
"Vayne didn't die when Evelyn found him outside the gambling den. He was unconscious but he wasn't dead…However for Aric, his heart had stopped. He was dead and I forced him to comeback."
Penelope put her teacup down, "So… do you feel guilty your grace? Is that what you're saying?"
"Yes."
The room was silent for a long time. Nobody knew how to respond but Beth, put her teacup away, stood up from her seat and came close to Seraphina.
"Your grace… it's not your fault."
The old lady opened her hands and slowly came to Seraphina to give a hug. Seraphina looked at her with teary eyes and hugged back.
"It's not your fault, your grace. Anyone in your position would've done the same thing. I would've done the same thing."
Seraphina gripped her shirt and started to sob.
"You were just trying to save him. It's not your fault...It's not you fault." as Beth hugged tighter and rubbed her back.
The rest stared with a look of understanding while Evelyn gripped Seraphina's shoulder as support. Penelope stood up along with the rest and came close as well.
Penelope said, "She's right. It's not your fault, your grace. Please, take your time and continue to watch over this 'Aric'. We will…do our best and rebuild this town that you, Evelyn and him protected so dearly."
Adam continued while wiping away his tears, "Yes. I will keep Lord Aric's inventions in check as well."
*************************************************************************
Callista sat beneath her pavilion, the wind tugging at the edge of a report in her hands. Beyond the hedgerow, her fields were still half-flattened. Stalks of wheat bent and broken in the wake of a battle she hadn't been warned about.
"So… they had a fight with demons."
"Yes, Your Grace,. Marcus replied, her new replacement for Penelope.
"According to the reports, it was a coordinated attack. Several were injured, but none fatally."
"And Vayne Arkwright…" she said slowly, letting the name drag across her tongue like something bitter,
"Apparently killed a high-ranking demon all by himself?"
"That is what the people, Evelyn herself and the Ashwick guard have confirmed, yes."
She scoffed. "Yeah, right. That man couldn't slay a chicken before his little 'reformation arc.'"
She set the report down on the table, brushing a strand of windblown hair from her face.
"We both know Seraphina probably killed it herself and let him take the credit. I just don't get why she'd bother propping up that spineless wreck."
"But… if I may—"
She pointed a finger at him sharply. "Shh. Don't speak unless spoken to."
She leaned back in her chair, drumming her fingers absently against the armrest.
On one hand, it is hard to believe that Vayne of all people could accomplish such feats. He had always been weak-willed, easily manipulated, and utterly incapable of leadership when I gave him Ashwick years ago.
But on the other hand, there was no denying the evidence: thriving trade routes, innovative inventions improving daily life and mine, humiliating me of all people and now, killing a high ranking demon?
If these claims about killing that demon is true, it means something had fundamentally changed within him. Or perhaps someone else entirely is pulling the strings behind the scenes.
I wonder what Seraphina is planning here.
"Fine." she muttered under her breath.
"If Seraphina thinks she can pull the wool over my eyes, then fine. Let's see what's really going on in Ashwick."
Standing abruptly, Callista grabbed her cloak and fastened it around her shoulders.
"Prepare the carriage. I'm paying Ashwick a visit."
Marcus blinked in surprise, "Your Grace? Are you certain? Traveling there now might not be safe—"
Callista cut him off with a dismissive wave.
"Don't question me, toy. Just make sure the horses are ready."
As Marcus scurried off to fulfill her command, Callista walked away while rolling her eyes inwardly.
"Vayne might be different now with the fixing things, inventing contraptions but playing hero? This doesn't make sense at all. Killing a high ranking demon? Is he even that strong to fight a demon?"
"The average demon is equivalent to five humans. Even with Seraphina's help, taking down a high-ranking demon isn't something to shrug off so lightly."
Callista paused mid-step, her brow furrowing slightly. "And then there's Seraphina herself…"
"If Seraphina truly had slain the demon and allowed Vayne to take the credit, it really does show her strength and perhaps her desperation. Strength because defeating a high-ranking demon required immense power, skill, and resolve."
"Desperation because propping up someone as inept as Vayne hinted at deeper motives. But what could she be hiding? Why was there a need to say he did it when everyone knows he isn't that strong. Is she protecting him?"
She continued her walk while tapping her thigh,
"That man has brought me to my knees once by poking at my pride...maybe he has Seraphina under his..."
She laughed, "Hoh, no way. That Seraphina is not controllable. So that really leaves with me either he did it or Seraphina is protecting him or gaining something from doing this."
"Well, I guess I can say hi to little Adam. I'm sure he remembers me. Maybe I can get him to join with Marcus too."
******************************************************************
The private dining hall was cold even though summer was coming up. The air conditioner was humming in the hall while a fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across the room. Thorin leaned back in his chair, one hand idly stroking his beard as he mulled over the latest trade reports spread out before him.
Across from him, Lira sipped her tea, her sharp green eyes scanning the documents with practiced precision.
"These numbers don't add up." she said while setting down her cup with a soft clink.
"Your merchants are reporting higher yields than last season, but your fields haven't expanded. What changed?"
Thorin smirked, "Ah, well, that's where our friend Vayne comes in or rather, his inventions. He gave me some blueprint for farming equipment as sign of good faith before. Machines that harvest twice as fast and plows that till deeper without wearing out the oxen."
"My people call them miracles."
Lira raised an eyebrow, "Miracles, you say? Or just clever engineering? It seems this 'Vayne' has become quite the innovator since you last met him."
"Indeed. Though I still find it impressive how he managed to fix up Ashwick through the report we receive monthly from our merchants."
Lira chuckled, "Yes, and the fact that because of this man, you have begun trading with the humans once again."
Before Thorin could respond, there was a knock at the door.
Thorin glanced up, "Enter."
One of Thorin's guards stepped inside, bowing deeply. Behind him stood a weary-looking merchant, his cloak dust-streaked and travel-worn. The man's face bore the marks of exhaustion.
"Your Highness, this trader arrived moments ago. He claims to bring news of great importance."
Thorin waved a hand dismissively. "Speak quickly then. We're in the middle of something."
The merchant bowed low, "Forgive me, Your Grace, for interrupting your meal. But I come bearing word from Ashwick. Something bad happened."
Lira set her teacup aside, "Ashwick? What of it?"
"There was… an attack. Demons, my lords. They descended upon the town and nearly destroyed the entire town."
Thorin frowned, "Demons? In Ashwick? That's no small matter. And what of Seraphina? Did she lead the defense?"
"Yes, my lord." the merchant replied, nodding emphatically.
"According to my intel, Lady Seraphina shielded the inner city with her shadows, saving countless lives and fought the demons. But she didn't fight alone, the people say Lord Vayne himself killed a high ranking demon."
Lira let out a sharp laugh, "Haha. Lord Vayne? Truly? A mere human managed to slay a high-ranking demon? You must think we are fools. Unless it was Seraphina, it's quite a lie."
The merchant swallowed visibly, "I'm only relaying what I heard, my lady. Everyone in Ashwick is talking about it. Witnesses claim they saw black flames from the demon, there were in a barrier, Vayne moving really fast, breaking through the demon's defenses with some loud weapon. There's so many news that came from the people."
Thorin rubbed his temples, "Black flames, you say? That's not something easily fabricated. It's a forgotten magic. But even so…"
"Hmmm...okay. Is there anything else?"
"Ah. There's one more although it sounds far fetched. According to eye witnesses, they say that Seraphina had pure black mana from her hands and forced Vayne, who was impaled through his stomach, come back to life. Supposedly."
At this, Lira's demeanour shifted subtly, "Pure black mana? If that's true, then whatever happened must have been catastrophic. Seraphina wouldn't risk herself so recklessly unless the stakes were dire."
Thorin nodded grimly. "Hmmm...okay, you may go now."
The trader bowed and left immediately but Thorin's face had a look of worry.
Lira moved closer, placing her hand on his hand.
"Thor? What's the matter?"
Thorin looked at her, his expression troubled.
"Ah… well, Vayne is a friend. You know that and how I told you that how much he's changed. How he is so much better now...so hearing about the dying part…" He trailed off, unable to finish.
She squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Hey. It's okay. I'm sure it's just exaggerated news and people are complicating the events. I'm sure he's fine."
He gripped her hand back, "Hmm… thank you. Still, I find it hard to believe Vayne or whoever he is these days, is responsible for slaying a high-ranking devil. Even if he's changed, there's no way he possesses that kind of power."
"You're right. Something about this report doesn't sit right with me either. High-ranking demons haven't been seen since the War of Narxuia. Why now? And why Ashwick?"
Thorin sighed, "That's precisely what worries me. This isn't just some random attack. Someone or something is testing them. And if Aric nearly died in the process…"
He trailed off, unable to shake the image of Aric—the quiet, resourceful man who had proven himself capable of far more than anyone expected. Yet defeating a high-ranking demon?
That seemed impossible, even for someone like him.
Lira studied Thorin's face, noting the flicker of doubt in his eyes.
"You're holding something back."
She let go of his hand but her face was still smiling, "But it's probably for a reason, so I expect you to tell me later. For now, let's prepare to visit Ashwick. You're his friend, and you've profited greatly from his inventions. It's time you gave them their cut of the profit."
"But what about you, my love? Will you not accompany me?"
She picked up her teacup again, taking a slow sip before responding.
"I'm Seraphina's mentor. It's my duty to ensure she understands the true nature of her powers since she has unlocked pure black mana supposedly..."
She took another sip, "And we need to uncover the real truth behind these rumours. So of course, I'm going with you. Plus, it's been a while since I met that rascal."
Setting her teacup down, she added with a mischievous glint in her eye,
"And besides, it'll be nice to get away from our parents' watchful eyes for a bit, don't you think?"
Thorin chuckled softly, "True enough. Let's make preparations, then. Whatever's happening in Ashwick, it's bigger than either of us realizes."